BCPD Implements QR Codes

The Boston College Police Department is the first police department in Boston – and second in the state – to implement QR Code technology on its cruisers.

QR (short for “quick response”) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that have quickly become commonplace on advertising and promotional materials. When a user scans the code with a smartphone, they are immediately taken to an informational website. The BCPD QR codes are linked to the department site and Facebook page.

BCPD Sgt. Jeffrey Postell said the department’s revamped website and quick access takes community policing to the next level: Users may now request services for Crime Prevention Education, print forms for bike registration and contact officers via e-mail.

“We have embraced technology,” said Postell. “Law enforcement and public safety agencies nationwide must rise to the level that our society and community are on. That means when the majority of our community is utilizing social media or web-based research for information we must be up to the signs of the times, and be transparent.

“We certainly take pride in being one of the first few agencies here in Massachusetts that has begun utilizing QR codes. QR codes will serve a great purpose for our community in having direct access to their police department. Our overall goal is to ensure that our community knows of the services we offer, how to contact us when needed, and to have access to crime prevention information to help keep them safe.”

BCPD worked closely with the Stoughton Police Department, which recently implemented the same program in its community, for guidance on the project.